Can I have anaesthesia?
a-nes-te-ZI-a — five syllables. 'Anes-' rhymes with 'panes'. Stress on fourth syllable.
Ask if you are unsure whether the procedure will be done with local anaesthetic. Always your right to request it.
'Posso avere' (can I have / may I have) is a polite request. 'L'anestesia' with the article means the specific anaesthetic for this procedure. Local dental anaesthesia ('anestesia locale') is standard for any invasive procedure. Some patients have had treatments without anaesthesia in the past — you always have the right to request it.
Preferisco fare la puntura dell'anestesia.
I prefer to have the anaesthetic injection.
The injection ('puntura') can itself be pre-numbed with topical anaesthetic
Può mettere prima la crema per non sentire la puntura?
Can you put the cream first so I do not feel the injection?
Request topical anaesthetic ('anestetico topico') before the injection
L'anestesia dura quanto?
How long does the anaesthesia last?
Typically 1-3 hours depending on the agent used
Topical anaesthetic gel ('gel anestetico' or 'spray anestetico') containing benzocaine or lidocaine is routinely used in Italian dental studios before the injection. The wait time is 1-2 minutes. The main dental anaesthetics used in Italy are articaine ('septanest') and lidocaine — both very safe. Allergic reactions are rare (less than 1 in 500,000 procedures).